Post race #2

Well, it was cold, windy, rainy, and hilly, but I survived Ringing in Spring!  I got to the high school where the shuttle was there to transport us to the YMCA (race location).  I debated that morning what to wear after looking at the weather forecast...mid-50s with rain possible.  I figured the whole rule of 20 degrees warmer when you're running, so I thought that shorts and a t-shirt would be enough.  Let me just say BRRRR!  I was fine when I started running, but waiting around outside waiting was chilly.

Anyway, I used the port-a-pots twice before the race.  I always seem to have to pee while running if I don't go a few times beforehand.  I lined up with the huge lot of runners and waited for the start.  The organizer rang the bell, and we were off, all 1500+ of us.  (Oh, my number was 312.)  I kept a pretty good pace, and I was at about 10 minutes at mile one.  My goal was to be under 30 minutes.

I remember at one point someone mentioned that they could see the leader on the other road, which happened to be the last leg of the race.  The winner got done in about 16 minutes.  I just kept running and didn't ever stop like some runners did.  Of course, I never stop while running on my own either.  There were so many hills and rain!  I got a cup of water about halfway through, and I spilled it all over myself.  It didn't matter though since I was already soaked from the rain. 

I got near the end and heard someone spitting out times.  It was 28 some minutes, and if I wanted to beat my goal, I needed to step it up.  I busted my butt with what little energy I had left to cross the finish line.  I found out later that my time was 29:18.  I beat my goal! 

I didn't want to wait in the huge food line after the race, so I left and went to Jimmy John's instead.  YUM! 


Here I am modeling my race shirt after I had been home and showered.